Swinging a golf club is a complicated action, with dozens of moving parts and variables working together to hit a tiny ball really far. To simplify things, we illustrated a few important elements that affect your shot. So whether you’re a beginner looking for a guide, or a seasoned golfer who’d like to tweak your drive, this infographic is a good place to start.

Your golf shot is like your signature: uniquely your own, yet slightly different each time you pick up a pen or club. Both are affected by elements you control, such as how you grip your golf club and your muscle motion, as well as external factors like the golf club, golf ball, pen and paper.

The Key things to remember:

The Proper Golf Stance:

Square stance: Minimal spin on the ball

Open Stance: Ball will fade to the right

Closed Stance: Ball will to the left

How to Grip a Golf Club:

Ten Finger Golf Grip: Ideal for Beginners

Interlock Golf Grip: Good for Smaller Hands

Vardon Overlap Golf Grip: For Stronger Hands

Average Golf Club Distance Chart

Knowing which golf club to use for a particular shot can be challenging. However, with a little estimation and the table below, you’ll be using the right club in no time. Here is the average golf club distance to help you the next time you hit the course.

Golf Club

Average Golf Club Distance (Yards)

Driver (Total)

258

Driver (Carry)

240

3-Wood

217

5-Wood

205

Hybrid

201

3-Iron

189

4-Iron

181

5-Iron

173

6-Iron

163

7-Iron

154

8-Iron

143

9-Iron

132

Pitching Wedge

121

The information in this graphic can be used to improve your game, or as a handy golf club distance chart that will help you learn when to use each type of golf club.